The top civil servant at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been forced out after a Guardian investigation revealed his department overruled a decision to deny Peter Mandelson security vetting clearance. Sir Olly Robbins, who served as permanent secretary, was told to resign after Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him.
Mandelson, appointed UK ambassador to the US in January 2025, had failed developed vetting—a highly confidential background check by security officials. Despite this, FCDO officials used a rarely exercised authority to override the recommendation from UK Security Vetting (UKSV). Downing Street insisted Starmer had no knowledge of the veto until recently, saying responsibility lay with the FCDO.
The revelation prompted political demands for Starmer's resignation. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said if the prime minister misled parliament, he must take responsibility, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for him to go. Starmer had previously stated Mandelson received clearance for the role.
Further documents are due for release, but senior government officials have considered withholding those showing the vetting denial from parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). Any such move could breach a parliamentary motion demanding all papers relating to Mandelson's appointment. The government has pledged to comply, with national security redactions reviewed by the ISC.
